Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lily: Overview

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), a member of the Araceae family, originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It boasts glossy, lance-shaped leaves and elegant white spathes. Thriving indoors in bright, indirect sunlight, this aromatic plant is exceptionally easy to care for. Peace lilies can live for many years with minimal maintenance, particularly in hardiness zones 10-11. 

Symbolizing peace and purity, peace lily plants are a popular choice for both decoration and gifting, but caution is advised as they are toxic to pets and children if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. 

Peace Lily: Benefits

• Purifies the air by reducing pollution and adsorbing harmful gases
• Adds aesthetics to any space with its lush green foliage and contrasting white flowers
• Absorbs acetone vapors
• Improves sleep and reduces stress
• Prevents formation of mildew by balancing indoor humidity levels
• They can bring positive chi or energy to workplaces
• It helps control sound pollution when incorporated into “green walls”

Peace Lily Care Guide

The Spathiphyllum plant, known for its elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities, is popular among indoor gardening enthusiasts. Peace Lily care requirements are easy; this beauty is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet beautiful addition to their home or office space. 

Watering, Light, and Temperature

Maintain consistently moist soil, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Peace lilies thrive in indirect, bright light. However, they can tolerate low-light conditions. Keep them away from direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. Ideal temperatures range between 65-80°F (18-27°C).

Soil and Repotting

Plant these flowering plants in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Repot your peace lily annually or when roots outgrow the container, typically in spring. Ensure the new pot is slightly larger than the previous one to prevent overpotting.

Feeding and Propagation

Feed your Peace Lily monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Propagate through division during repotting, ensuring each division has several stems and a sound root system.

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

Trim yellow or brown leaves at the base to maintain plant health and appearance. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent pests. Common issues with peace lilies include brown tips from over-fertilization or salts in water, yellowing leaves from overwatering, and leaf droopiness or brown flowers, due to underwatering. Occasionally, peace lilies might suffer from pests like aphids, spider mites, or scale; treat promptly with insecticidal soap.

Peace Lily: Flowering and Other Considerations

Peace lilies produce their characteristic white blooms in spring and sometimes sporadically throughout the year. If flowers cease, check light levels and consider moving the plant to a brighter spot. Additionally, they are sensitive to chemicals, so avoid placing them near air vents or drafts. With proper care, your peace lily can grace your indoor space with its lush foliage and delicate blooms for years to come.

Peace Lily: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

Choose suitable companions for your peace lily and alternative plants that enhance its aesthetic appeal and contribute to your harmonious indoor environment. Here are some considerations for placement, companion, and alternative plants to complement your peace lily.

Best Locations & Uses

• It is ideal for plant enthusiasts without pets, as it's toxic to cats and dogs.
• Perfect for beginner indoor gardeners due to its forgiving nature and low-maintenance care requirements.
• Peace lily is an excellent choice for indoor environments with dry air, as it naturally raises humidity levels.
• Suitable for offices or bedrooms where low light conditions are common, as it can thrive in shaded areas.
• Peace lily adds a touch of elegance to any space, making it a popular choice for decorative purposes in homes, offices, or public areas.

Companion Plants

Enhance the beauty of your space with these complementary indoor plants that thrive alongside the peace lily.

• Philodendron Pink Princess (Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess'): The Pink Princess Plant is a heart-shaped leaf beauty that’s highly coveted and rare, catching the eye with its variegated pink and green leaves. 
• Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): With its arching variegated leaves and air-purifying qualities, the Spider Plant complements the peace lily beautifully. 
• Dragon Tree Plant (Dracaena marginata): The Dragon Tree, known for its striking foliage and upright growth pattern, pairs well with peace lilies, creating a visually dynamic indoor display. 

Alternative Plants

If you’re a pet owner seeking alternatives to the peace lily, these pet-friendly options from Lively Root offer both beauty and safety for your furry friends. 

• Prayer Plant (Calathea orbifolia): With its stunning round leaves adorned with intricate patterns, the Prayer Plant is a pet-friendly option that adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space. 
• Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): The Neanthe Bella Palm is characterized by its delicate fronds and compact size. This gorgeous palm is an excellent choice for pet owners looking to introduce greenery into their homes without risking their pets' health. 
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): With its gracefully arching fronds and air-purifying qualities, the Boston Fern is a pet-friendly fern variety that brings a touch of natural beauty to any room. 

Get Your Perfect Peace Lily From LivelyRoot

Enhance your indoor space with the timeless beauty of a peace lily from Lively Root. Elevate your home or office décor while enjoying the air-purifying benefits of this elegant plant.